Arsène Wenger has had stern words with Andre Santos and reminded him of his
responsibilities as an Arsenal player following the Brazil full-back’s
arrest on suspicion of dangerous driving.

The incident occurred last Friday, just a few miles from the club’s training ground, after police officers noticed a car being driven erratically by a driver who failed to stop.

Santos was subsequently released in time to be on the bench for Arsenal's goalless draw on the opening day of the season against Sunderland.

The incident is being regarded as extremely serious by Arsenal and a decision will be made on internal club disciplinary action after the conclusion of the police investigation. Wenger, though, has already spoken to Santos about what happened.

“The player and club are co-operating with the police regarding this matter,” said a club spokesman. “Arsenal Football Club expects the highest standard of behaviour from all its employees and is taking this allegation extremely seriously.”

The Metropolitan Police said: “Shortly after 9.30am on Friday Aug 17, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police on the A1, near to Junction 22 of the M25,” said a spokesman.

“Officers’ attention was drawn to the vehicle due to the manner of its driving. The man has been bailed to return at a date in mid-September to a North London police station.”

Santos was not breathalysed and he is now due to appear at the police station on Sept 12.

The incident is not expected to have any impact on Santos’s availability for Arsenal against Stoke on Sunday, with Wenger hoping that he will learn the lessons of what happened.

Arsenal have generally been impressed with Santos’s attitude since he joined the club exactly a year ago.

Eduardo, the former Arsenal striker, meanwhile, has criticised his old club for the summer sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song.

“It’s a big mistake to sell them – they were the most important players last season,” Eduardo said.

“They have other quality players to stay as a big club at the top. But they can’t keep everyone together to fight for titles. Every year it’s similar – they lose players, buy players, make them class players and the next year they sell again. They are always in the same place.”